Farmington Hills Battle of the Badges blood drive set September 5

A September 5 American Red Cross blood drive will revive the annual (friendly) competition between Farmington Hills Police and Fire Departments.

Battle of the Badges takes place from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. at the Costick Center, 28600 W. 11 Mile Rd. Donors can cast a “vote” with their blood donation to help raise each department’s tally.

All blood types are needed, but Type O is in especially high demand since it can be transfused to patients in other blood groups and used in emergency cases when a patient’s blood type isn’t known.

To make an appointment to donate, call 248-473-1800 or register online at redcrossblood.org, with the sponsor code costickcenter.

Giving blood takes about an hour. Donors must be in general good health, weigh at least 110 pounds, and be 17 years of age or older. If a parent is present to fill out a permission form on the day of the blood drive, 16-year-olds will be allowed to donate blood.